Tile roof ridge vent

ABSTRACT

A tile roof ridge vent and the method of its use and construction are disclosed. The ridge vent may include an elongated vent body including a flange extending from a side of the body and configured to engage a roof deck, and one or more vent openings defined in the vent body. The ridge vent may further include a first barrier to intrusion of a first element to the vent openings and a second barrier to intrusion of a second element to the vent openings. The ridge vent may further include a perforated closure and an end cap pitch gauge. Additional systems and methods are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/357,570 filed Jun. 30, 2022, and entitled “TILE ROOF RIDGE VENT,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This application relates to a tile roof ridge vent and the method of its use and construction.

BACKGROUND

Ventilation of a tile roof ridge is known. Current solutions often require mortar for installing separate injection molded pieces and/or installing individual brackets to separately secure the ridge board above the ridge slot. To address these and other issues, an improved tile roof ridge vent is provided.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the disclosure provide a ventilation system for a tile roof. In embodiments, the system includes an elongated vent body including a flange extending from each side of the vent body and configured to engage a roof deck, and one or more vent openings defined in the vent body. The system also includes a first barrier to intrusion of a first element to the vent openings and a second barrier to intrusion of a second element the vent openings. Optionally, the system may also include a perforated tile closure. Optionally, the system may also include an end cap pitch gauge.

Various embodiments of the disclosure provide a ridge vent for a tile roof. In embodiments, the ridge vent includes a vent body including a flange extending from a side of the vent body to engage a roof deck, and one or more vent openings defined in the vent body. The ridge vent further includes a first panel coupled to the vent body to limit a first intrusion of a first element to the vent openings. The ridge vent further includes a second panel coupled to the vent body to limit a second intrusion of a second element to the vent openings. Optionally, the ridge vent may include a third panel coupled to the vent body to conceal an opening between a ridge cap tile and a field of roof tiles. Optionally, the ridge vent may include an end cap pitch gauge to identify a roof angle of the roof deck.

Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification and may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. One of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a tile roof ridge vent and roof as described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts an isolated view of the tile roof ridge vent of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of the tile roof ridge vent of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 depicts exemplary dimensions of one embodiment of a vent body of the tile roof ridge vent as described herein.

FIG. 5 depicts exemplary dimensions of one embodiment of a first panel of the tile roof ridge vent as described herein.

FIG. 6 depicts exemplary dimensions of one embodiment of a second panel of the tile roof ridge vent as described herein.

FIG. 7 depicts exemplary dimensions of one embodiment of a perforated closure of the tile roof ridge vent as described herein.

FIG. 8 depicts exemplary dimensions of one embodiment of a vent body and a pitch gauge of the tile roof ridge vent, the vent body shown flat prior to formation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A tile roof ridge vent and the method of its use and construction are disclosed. The vent is designed for use with either barrel tile or flat tile. The vent may be used with clay, concrete, metal or synthetic tile roofs. In one embodiment, the vent has a minimum 25 sq. feet per lineal foot of net free area (NFA).

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 , a ridge vent 5 (e.g., for a tile roof, such as a tile roof ridge vent) includes an elongated (e.g., single piece) vent body 10 having flanges 15, such as ridge cut attachment flanges, on one or both sides for fastening directly onto the roof deck 20. In embodiments, the vent body 10 also acts as a structural member to support the weight of a ridge cap tile 12 (or “cap tile” or “cap”) while also providing for sufficient air flow for venting the attic. The vent body 10 may be fabricated from a sufficiently thick material, such as a 26-gauge steel, to provide adequate rigidity (e.g., combined with the bends of the vent body 10) to support the cap weight and reinforce the roof. The vent body 10 is configured to receive the ridge cap tile 12 which may be attached with a fastener 14, such as nails or screws, or with adhesive, foam or mortar. The vent body 10 may be attached to the roof deck 20 with additional fasteners 14, such as nails or screws. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the vent body 10 may include the following dimensions: a height H of approximately 5″, a top width W_(T) of approximately 2″, a bottom width W_(B) of approximately 3″, and a flange length L_(F) of approximately 3″, although other configurations are contemplated.

As can be understood from FIGS. 1-3 and 5 , the vent body 10 may include vent holes or openings 25 on either side of the vent to allow sufficient air flow for ventilation. In some embodiments, the vent openings 25 may be square, rectangular or elongated openings defined in the vent body 10, although other opening shapes are contemplated. The ridge vent 5 may also include a first panel 30 defining a first barrier to intrusion of a first element to the vent openings 25. For example, the first panel 30 may be an ember stop panel configured to limit or stop embers from coming into the attic, although other configurations are contemplated. In embodiments, the first panel 30 may facilitate sufficient air flow for ventilation. The first panel 30 may be a panel of material defined by a wire metal mesh applied to the outside of the vent openings 25 to provide resistance to intrusion of flaming embers into the attic. Although described as limiting or preventing intrusion of flaming embers into the attic, the first panel 30 may limit intrusion of other elements or debris into the vent openings 25, such as rain, wind, snow, or insects. As a result, the term “ember stop panel” is used for convenience only, without intent to limit.

In some embodiments, the first panel 30 is applied to or over the vent openings 25 in a slope shape to form a triangle shape, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 , although other configurations are contemplated. The triangular shape of the first panel 30 may provide additional surface area to support a minimum net free area (NFA) for exhaust while keeping fire embers, as well as insects and animals, from entry into the attic. The first panel 30 may be attached at the top of the vent body 10 and proximate to the vent openings 25. The first panel 30, when used, may be an important feature of the ridge vent 5 in fire prone areas, such as in Wildlife Urban Interface (WUI) areas. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , the first panel 30 may include the following dimensions: a height at the top of the vent body H_(T) of approximately 0.5″, a height at the bottom of the vent body H_(B) of approximately 0.5″, a top width W_(T) of approximately 0.5″, a first slope body length B_(L1) of approximately 1.5″ and a second slope body length B_(L2) of approximately 1.375″, although other configurations are contemplated.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6 , the vent 5 may further include a second panel 35 coupled to the vent body 10 on both sides of the vent body 10 proximate the top or first end of the vent body 10 and proximate the top of the flange 15 near the bottom or second end of the vent body 10. In embodiments, the second panel 35 may be coupled at least partially to the first panel 30, such as an upper portion of the second panel 35 coupled to an upper portion of the first panel 30 at the top or first end of the vent body 10. The second panel 35 may be a panel of material made of a galvanized metal wire mesh screen with, for example, a 1/16″ sized opening or a ⅛″ sized opening. In embodiments, the second panel 35 may be made of perforated or expanded metal. In embodiments, a strip of nonwoven material may be positioned between the first panel 30 and the second panel 35. Additionally, or alternatively, a strip of nonwoven material may be positioned within the cavity at reference number 25 in FIGS. 2-3 , such as over the vent openings 25, although other configurations are contemplated.

The second panel 35 may serve multiple functions, such as two principal functions. For example, the second panel 35 may act as a redundant barrier to wind driven rain or snow intrusion, making the ridge vent 5 well over 99% leak proof, in some embodiments. Additionally, or alternatively, the second panel 35 may act as a stand-off guard to limit or prevent mortar, foam or other construction material from blocking the vent openings 25. As such, the ridge vent 5 may be forgiving to install when using mortar or foam to attach to the ridge cap tile 12 while keeping the vent openings 25 from becoming clogged or blocked.

In this manner, the second panel 35 may define a second barrier to intrusion of a second element to the vent openings 25. In embodiments, the second panel 35 may be a perforated deflector panel to deflect objects or debris away from the vent openings 25, such as downwardly away from the vent openings 25, while also allowing sufficient air flow for ventilation, although other configurations are contemplated. As a result, the term “perforated deflector panel” is used for convenience only, without intent to limit. Although described as limiting or preventing intrusion of rain, snow, mortar or foam into the attic, the second panel 35 may limit intrusion of other elements or debris into the vent openings 25.

Similar to the first panel 30, the second panel 35 may include a triangular shape (e.g., as viewed from a front or lengthwise end view shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6 ). The triangular shape of the second panel 35 may provide additional surface area to support a minimum net free area (NFA) for exhaust while keeping fire embers, as well as insects and animals, from entry into the attic. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , the second panel 35 may include the following dimensions: a flange leg L_(F) of approximately 1.0″, a first slope leg L_(S1) of approximately 2.7″ (e.g., 2 11/16″), a second slope leg L_(S2) of approximately 3.625″ (e.g., 3⅝″), and a cap tile leg L_(C) of approximately 0.75″ (e.g., ¾″), although other configurations are contemplated.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7 , the ridge vent 5 may optionally further include a perforated closure 40. The perforated closure 40 may be a further panel coupled to the vent body 10. For example, an upper portion or top of the perforated closure 40 may be coupled to the second panel 35. The perforated closure 40 may visually conceal the opening at the ridge between the ridge cap tile 12 and the field of roof tiles and to provide for exhaust ventilation while providing another barrier for water resistance. The perforated closure 40 may be made from an expanded or perforated metal, among other suitable materials. The perforated closure 40 may be roof system specific. For example, the perforated closure 40 may be provided as a separate product and not attached initially to the vent body 10 (e.g., as is the second panel 35 or the first panel 30). While the vent body 10, first panel 30 and second panel 35 may form an integrated universal vent installable on a variety of tile roof systems, the perforated closure 40 may be specific to particular tile roof system. Example dimensions of the perforated closure 40 are shown in FIG. 7 , without intent to limit.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 8 , the ridge vent 5 may further include an end cap pitch gauge 45 to guide or inform a user (e.g., the contractor) on the angle to conform and to attach the flange(s) 15 to the roof deck 20. In hurricane prone areas, the flanges 15 of the ridge vent 5 may be secured with screws instead of nails to the roof deck 20, as well as securing the ridge cap tile 12 to a supported ridge board or ridge vent 5 without ridge board with screws instead of nails to provide enhanced wind uplift resistance.

FIG. 8 depicts exemplary dimensions of one embodiment of the vent body 10, including exemplary dimensions of the vent openings 25, with the vent body 10 shown flat prior to formation. As shown, a vent opening 25 (e.g., each vent opening 25) may include the following dimensions: a width of approximately 1.5″ and a length of approximately 5″, although other configurations are contemplated.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide, for example, concealment of the ridge vent 5, multiple and forgiving installation methods, outstanding and superior net free area (NFA) air flow, simplified and easy to install ventilation and applicability to both curved and flat field tiles installed into a variety of roof pitches. For example, the ridge vent 5 is optionally partially or completely concealed from the outside, which may provide an important benefit and value for certain types of expensive and aesthetic roofs, such as clay or concrete tile roofs. Additionally, or alternatively, the ridge vent 5 may be installed over an existing ridge board or may be used in lieu of installing a ridge board that requires separate and multiple brackets. As such, the ridge vent 5 may provide universal applicability to the installation of the ridge vent 5 with various roof conditions and options for contractor installation preferences.

The description of certain embodiments included herein is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or its applications or uses. In the included detailed description of embodiments of the present systems and methods, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration specific to embodiments in which the described systems and methods may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice presently disclosed systems and methods, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure the description of embodiments of the disclosure. The included detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the examples, embodiments or processes described herein may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments and/or processes or be separated and/or performed amongst separate devices or device portions in accordance with the present systems and methods. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ventilation system for a tile roof, the system comprising: an elongated vent body comprising: a flange extending from each side of the vent body and configured to engage a roof deck, and one or more vent openings defined in the vent body; a first barrier to intrusion of a first element to the vent openings; and a second barrier to intrusion of a second element to the vent openings.
 2. The ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising a perforated closure.
 3. The ventilation system of claim 2, wherein the perforated closure comprises perforated or expanded metal.
 4. The ventilation system of claim 1, further comprising an end cap pitch gauge.
 5. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the elongated vent body is a single piece construction.
 6. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the elongated vent body comprises 26-gauge steel.
 7. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the first barrier is an ember stop panel comprising a wire mesh.
 8. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the second barrier is a perforated deflector panel comprising perforated or expanded metal.
 9. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the first element comprises at least one of fire embers, rain, wind, snow or insects.
 10. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the second element comprises at least one of rain, wind, snow or insects.
 11. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the system is at least partially concealed by a roof tile and a ridge cap tile.
 12. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the system is completely concealed by a roof tile and a ridge cap tile.
 13. A ridge vent for a tile roof, the ridge vent comprising: a vent body comprising: a flange extending from a side of the vent body to engage a roof deck, and one or more vent openings defined in the vent body; a first panel coupled to the vent body to limit a first intrusion of a first element to the vent openings; and a second panel coupled to the vent body to limit a second intrusion of a second element to the vent openings.
 14. The ridge vent of claim 13, wherein the second panel is coupled to the first panel and to the flange.
 15. The ridge vent of claim 13, further comprising a third panel coupled to the vent body to conceal an opening between a ridge cap tile and a field of roof tiles.
 16. The ridge vent of claim 15, wherein the third panel comprises a perforated closure coupled to one of the first panel or the second panel.
 17. The ridge vent of claim 13, wherein the first panel comprises a wire mesh configured to limit intrusion of fire embers to the vent openings.
 18. The ridge vent of claim 13, further comprising an end cap pitch gauge to identify a roof angle of the roof deck.
 19. The ridge vent of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first element or the second element comprises at least one of fire embers, rain, wind, snow or insects.
 20. The ridge vent of claim 13, wherein the ridge vent is at least partially concealed by a roof tile and a ridge cap tile. 